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Royal 22nd Regiment: Canada's Fighting 'Van Doos'
During the First World War, Canada decided to create a military unit that would represent its French-speaking population. As soldiers and peacekeepers, the Royal 22nd Regiment – the famed "Van Doos" – have been among Canada's vanguard in both World Wars, and in hotspots that include Korea, Cyprus, Congo, Bosnia and East Timor. The distinct language and culture of the regiment have afforded unique opportunities, and posed frequent challenges.

	A battalion is born		22nd Battalion decimated at Arras		Honouring the living and the dead
	Most French Canadians are unenthusiastic about fighting the First World War. But some prominent citizens think French Canada deserves its own fighting force. (TV; runs 2:52)		First World War: The Royal 22nd is decimated at Arras, France. Their leader, future governor general Georges P. Vanier is nearly killed... twice. (Radio; runs 7:05)		During the Second World War, members of the Royal 22nd Regiment pause in an Italian village to decorate their living, and remember their dead. (Radio; runs 4:55)

	A Victoria Cross for valour in Italy		Korea's Hill 355		Keeping the peace in Cyprus
	Casa Berardi: the Royal 22nd are pinned down and almost wiped out. But a brave captain leads them through incredible odds. (Radio; runs 7:41)		On a cold Korean hill known only by its elevation, the Van Doos defend a UN position and save American lives. (TV; runs 2:20)		After three years on UN standby, the Van Doos are suddenly airlifted to Cyprus, a powder keg for Greek and Turkish hostilities. (TV; runs 27:09)

	Rescue in the jungle		Providing 'safe havens' in Bosnia		Scorpions, Kiwis and 'hoochies'
	A sergeant of the Royal 22nd recalls a daring helicopter rescue mission that saved two nuns from rebel soldiers in Congo. (Radio; runs 1:42)		In the besieged city of Srebrenica, Royal 22nd peacekeepers have the difficult job of both disarming and defending Muslim refugees. (TV; runs 5:18)		How to survive in East Timor when you don't speak the language, and didn't bring a tent. (Radio; runs 14:00)

	What makes a 'Van Doo' different?
	All soldiers think their unit is the best, but members of the Royal 22nd feel they have something to prove. (Radio; runs 6:35)

LINKS Topic from Les Archives de Radio-Canada on the same subject Les militaires du Royal 22e Régiment Related Topics from CBC's Archives 1939-1945: A Soldier's War Forgotten Heroes: Canada and the Korean War Canada celebrates victory in Europe Pearson wins Nobel Peace Prize Vimy Ridge Memorial Unveiled CBC.ca CBC News Online: Operation Athena: Canadian Units in Afghanistan External sites Royal 22e Régiment: Official site (in French) United Nations peacekeeping The CBC assumes no responsibility for the content of external links.

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